CAPO 2026 The stage where talent grows
Since 2002, the Ouagadougou Primary School Arts Competition has given children a space for self-expression, artistic discovery and civic learning.
More than a competition, a journey in citizenship
The Ouagadougou Primary School Arts Competition is a unique space where school, culture and civic education come together. Every year, children discover the stage, develop their creativity and learn to make their voices heard.
Through the performing arts, CAPO nurtures self-expression, teamwork, openness to others and self-confidence. It turns artistic practice into a genuine educational experience.
CAPO does more than reveal talent. It helps every child find their place in society.
“Giving a child a stage means teaching them to believe in their voice and their potential.”
Five disciplines, a thousand ways to express yourself
CAPO enables children to explore several art forms, discover their talents and express themselves through different creative languages.
Theatre
Perform, embody characters and tell stories rooted in society.
Traditional dance
Celebrate the rhythms, movements and cultural heritage of Burkina Faso.
Slam
Find the right words, shape a message and speak with confidence.
Storytelling
Bring memory, imagination and oral traditions to life.
Poetry reading
Develop diction, sensitivity and interpretation of texts.
Each discipline becomes a way to learn how to communicate, work as a team and develop a personal perspective on society.
Art as a school of confidence and citizenship
By stepping onto the stage, children learn to speak, listen to others, work as a group and think critically about their environment.
Find your voice
Children develop their diction, creativity, stage presence and ability to express ideas confidently in front of others.
See the world differently
The performances explore everyday issues: the environment, hygiene, children’s rights, respect, solidarity and responsibility.
Become an engaged citizen
The stage encourages critical thinking, dialogue, cooperation and a desire to contribute positively to school and community life.
“The stage gives children the courage to speak, the discipline to listen and the strength to believe in themselves.”
From school to the main stage
CAPO supports children step by step, from preparation in their schools to the major stages of public performance.
School outreach
Information, registration and engagement of participating schools.
Artistic preparation
Choice of disciplines, rehearsals and support for pupils.
Preselection rounds
First performances and selection of qualifying groups.
Elimination rounds
Artistic encounters between the participating schools.
Grand final
The finest performances are presented to the public.
Awards
Recognition of talented pupils, schools and education teams.
The detailed schedule for the 2026 edition will be shared by ATB with participating schools and published in the cultural agenda.
An entire generation growing through art
Since its creation, CAPO has enabled thousands of children to discover the stage, build confidence and embrace the values of citizenship.
Founded in
More than two decades of arts education in schools.
Children every year
Pupils supported as they discover artistic expression.
Artistic disciplines
Theatre, traditional dance, slam, storytelling and poetry reading.
Shared ambition
Make art a lasting driver of education, self-expression and citizenship.
Part of the proceeds goes directly back to schools
During the final rounds, 25% of ticket revenue is returned to the school cooperatives of participating establishments to support practical educational projects.
Behind the stage, lasting bonds are formed
CAPO brings children, education teams and families together in a shared experience where everyone helps creativity, confidence and team spirit flourish.
Children
They discover their abilities, learn to express themselves in front of others and experience the pride of completing a collective creation.
Teachers
They guide pupils, support their preparation and turn artistic practice into a living extension of school education.
Families
They offer encouragement, attend performances and discover the talent, ideas and sensitivity that children bring to the stage.
“Every child who steps onto the stage is becoming a citizen who learns to speak, listen and believe in their potential.”
A stage that makes an impact far beyond the performance
CAPO combines creativity, learning, citizenship and solidarity to make culture a practical tool for the development of children and schools.
Arts education
Children discover several disciplines and develop their sensitivity, imagination and relationship with culture.
Citizenship
The themes explored encourage responsibility, respect, listening, dialogue and community engagement.
Personal development
Speaking, working as a team and performing before an audience strengthen confidence and independence.
School solidarity
Part of the proceeds from the finals directly funds educational projects in participating schools.
Talent, colour and emotion
Moments of performance, preparation and connection that capture CAPO’s energy and artistic richness.
The stage reveals talent
Finding your voice
Creating together
A celebration shared by the whole community
From rehearsals to the final performances, every image reflects the commitment of children, teachers and families to this artistic adventure.
Every child deserves a stage to reveal their talent
School, family, institution or partner: join an initiative that places art, education and citizenship at the heart of child development.
For registration, partnerships or information about the next edition, the ATB team will direct you to the relevant department.